Pep’s Presser: Two ruled out of Everton game, Goodison challenge, have City improved?

Next up for Manchester City is a rearranged trip to Goodison Park against Everton, a fixture the Blues won last season and will hope to do so again. A win would see City go top of the league on goal difference, albeit having played a game more than Liverpool.

Ahead of City’s visit to Merseyside, Pep Guardiola addressed the media at the CFA this afternoon.

Pep knows the difficulties of playing Everton at Goodison and knows the huge opportunity City have tomorrow.

“Goodison Park is always a tough game for us,” said Pep. “Depending on the results, the approach is the same. Go there, try and make a good performance and win the game and of course we have the chance because Liverpool don’t play to go top.”

Asked why Tottenham are being mentioned so little in the context of the title race, Pep turned the question back at the reporters.

“These are questions for yourself. I never said Tottenham are not [in the race]. Or Chelsea. United is making this run of victories every single week. If Chelsea are able to do games in a row, they are a contender to win the Premier League. There are 39 points to play for, it is not too much. Everybody is ready to take points.”

Pep ruled out Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala tomorrow but it seems like Mendy could be available.

“Except Vinnie and Mangala, everyone is fit.”

Have City improved their level from last season?

Pep replied: “I would like to say yes but after the Newcastle game the question would be completely opposite.

“I feel we are much better than last season because we have had more time together but at the same time we will see tomorrow the desire with which we are going to play the game.”

And Guardiola said he likes his players being unhappy when they lose.

“I like to see my teams not happy when they don’t win. I don’t like when players laugh and they don’t win the game. We are calm and focused and speaking about Everton.”

everton vs. city, pep guardiola